Soon after setting sail from Miami, en-route to Cancun in Mexico, passengers of Carnival Cruise's Fun Ship Ecstasy liner are told to report on the top sun deck for the obligatory safety drill. Told to fetch their life vests from their respective cabins and suites, they have gathered at various muster points around the vessel to hear the crews' instructions about abandoning ship or the precuations needed to enter the water. We look down from a higher deck to see several dozen tourists on red vests, milling around awaiting the signal to return to their previous activities and entertainment. Operators like US-owned Carnival take these drills very seriously. Carnival was a pioneer in the concept of cheaper and shorter cruises. Its ships are known for their Las Vegas decor and entertainment. The cruise line calls its ships The Fun Ships and the MS Ecstasy is a Fantasy class cruise ship featuring two pools, whirlpools, a variety of dining options, nightclubs, a casino, and duty-free shopping. After Hurricane Katrina, she spent six months in New Orleans serving as quarters for refugees and relief workers. She suffered heavy damage in 1998 after the laundry room in the ship's stern caught fire damaging much of her stern and aft section.